The trademark cowbells are just a faint echo. A faithful following once considered among the best in American professional sports has only one thing left to cheer for now. They bring signs that read: "Save our Kings" and "Please Don't Go."

Kevin Durant beamed as he listened to his national anthem, which hadn't been played at the end of the world championship in 16 years. And that was no "B-Team" standing beside him on the center of the medals platform.